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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



yHE y LYSSIAD 



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American Epic 



■k BV •- 



E. M. Souvielle, 



(Author of "Sequel to The Parliament of Religions, etc.") 






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\^ivl-^"^ 



JACKSONVILLE, FLA.: 
DACOSTA PBINTINO AND PUBLISHING HOUSE, 

1896 



Copyright, 

By E. M. Souvielle. 

[All Rights Resei-ved. 

1896. 



PREFACE, 



The Truth is always beautiful, and though far 
sought and much desired, it frequently dwells un- 
noticed close at hand. 

Heroism is the world's most cherished idol, and 
tales of heroes of old make youthful hearts glow with 
admiration, yet the ideal seems too far away for em- 
ulation, and golden opportunity comes but to the 
few. 

That heroes have lived in this day and in this 
land have died, no one denies, yet why should the 
soul which is fired with ardor at the story of Troy 
pass over the seige of Richmond only as a cold, hard 
fact of the present. 

'Tis because Homer has told in thrilling num- 
bers of the heroes of Troy who shine in their own 
personalities. 'Tis not fallen Troy but Priam and 
Hector, Aggamemnon and Achilles, Ulysses and 
Nestor, whose deeds enthrall and whose woes the ages 
share. 

It is a duty to the age to recognize the romance 
of the living present. 



Camouens, the Virgil of Portugal, celebrated an 
event of his time. 

Tasso sung of the age which immediately pre- 
ceeded his own. 

Virgil recorded the fables which passed for the 
veritable history of his country. 

Homer probably met in his youth aged men 
who had know^i the heroes of the Trojan war. 

" What should more please in Homer is, that 
the foundation of his work is not a romance ; that the 
characters are not of his imagining ; that he paints 
men such as they were, with all their qualities, and 
that his poem is a monument of the customs of those 
ancient ages." 

So in The Ulyssiad is told the story of the hero 
— the man, as his acts revealed him; nor is anything 
exaggerated, and the dramatic tale, which is almost 
a tragedy, hath this merit, that 

IT IS TRUE. 



The Ulyssiad. 



INVOCATION. 




OME, gracious Inspiration, guide my lay, 
Come hither, come nor question nor delay ; 
Come even unto me, enrich my thought, 
Come not reluctant, come as though unsought. 
Give equal wing that wearied not in flight, 
But loftily sustained, may pass in might 
The song of ages. Prove heroic feats 
Of olden days the present rival meets; 
But romance dies when tuneful muses sliglit, 
And knightly deeds eulogium invite. 

Come, herald forth in living verse a name, 

Defender of America; while fame 

Afar resounding, echoing round the earth 



Exultant tolls when gentleness and worth 
In living heroes, living virtues plead, 
Then due is rendered all of honor's mead. 



Oh, sing the life which grandeur real adorns ; 
Ideal embellishment from fable scorns ; 
Which proves that sprites and elves no more 

enslave 
In immaterial bonds the great and brave; 
And courage, fortitude and valor bold 
As brightly shine as ere the}^ shone of old. 
So yields the admiration at behest 
Of every noble deed, or wrong redressed, 
And little needs the Truth a bright attire ; 
Its innate beauties glorify, inspire; 
No zeal an altar adequate can raise; 
No armour can defend or thought can praise : 
While mythological adornments vain 
The simple virtues seek not to attain. 
Like Odyssey surpassing modern lines, 
America's Ulysses, bright, outshines 



The valiant hero Homer's verse enshrined, 

New imaged risen yet in Grant refined. 

Then ever sing the bard for truth's sweet sake, 

And let poetic justice now awake; 

Let lofty honor charm in sentence terse. 

And eloquence sublime adorn the verse. 



THE TRUMPETSo 



Though "Man proposes, God disposes " all, 
Nor chance exists, nor chaos can befall. 

The days were dark, strife brooded o'er the land; 
Suspicion frowned in ambush on each hand; 
Fair peace destroyed, hope fled dismayed and faint ; 
Confusion rampant reigned nor brooked restraint ; 
While armies here, and armies there amassed 
War panoplied, the nation stood aghast ; 
Its trembling life within the balance hung, 
None dared to act, with every nerve unstrung 
In horrible suspense, as calm precedes 
The bursting storm, when forth the signal speeds 
From out the West as clouds by thunder riven, 
"I take Fort Henry, witli permission given." 
With "U. S. Grant" the mystic message ends, 
The signature perplexity but lends. 

On Washington it i'ell, as scarce believed, 
Its import with its warning unpreceived, 



As first the rumble of the gale is borne 
By distance softened and of terror shorn. 

Once more it flashed — the second time it spoke— 
Nor yet the anxious capitol awoke. 

Then o'er the land and thrilling every vein 
The harbinger of war resounds again. 

At chivalry's behest in royal lists 
The ready champion from the fray desists 
Till thrice the trumpets with defiance blare, 
And signal for the onset to prepare. 

So thrice this monitor the nation heard; 
The coming combat expectation stirred. 

Now every voice the fateful question raised, 
"From whence this oracle concisely phrased; 
And whose the daring heart that calm concieves 



10 



A purpose firm — au action which relieves 

The dread incertitude; what means the name, 
Ambiguous and strange, unknown to fame? 
The nation paused to Hsten while reveals 
The mystery this man of deeds conceals. 



11 



YOUTIHIS SPRINOTIIME, 

In sixteen thirty to Atlantic's shore, 

Unwilling winds adverse, rebellious bore 

A hardy crew, whose frail and trembling bark 

The ocean traversed struggling. Men of mark 

Were they, and safe undaunted crossed the sea, 

For more than kings were destined yet to be 

Their sons unborn, as year on year succeeds 

By patience crowned and graced by valiant deeds. 

The eighth in generation through one line 
Of these stern pioneers whose bold ensign 
A continent subdued, Ohio claims 
Her noblest child, his country's son and fame's. 

In budding April, eighteen twenty -two. 

The twenty-seventh, sweet May was almost due, 

When nature's early promises abound, 

Point Pleasant's quiet hamlet, hence renowned, 

A new Ulysses welcomed. 



12 



From that day 
That chance controls events none ere can say, 
Or names are meaningless and lightly fall 
As fall the dewdrops eqnally on all. 

Here rudiments of learning he acquired, 
And patriotism, imagination fired. 
In boyish gnmes he reveled. Winter wild 
With lancies weird entranced the jt)yous child. 
While summer's coming brought its meed of toil 
Whose needful gifts accords the generous soil. 
With steeds untamed in sport he fearless plays: 
A sturdy strong physique the youth repays. 

When seventeen seasons thus had o'er him wrought, 
His father said "Ulysses, 'tis my thought 
Appointment honored you will soon attain." 
Uly.sses then, "And wlial a[)[.ointment gain ?" 

Rejoincil his sire "Th' ai)pointment you will win 
To West Point's sheltering walls and discipline." 



13 



"I will not go,"' were stout Ulysses terms; 
''I think you will," liis father mild contirms; 
And from that hour of hut one mind were they; 
So parent's judgment should the sons obey. 

Successfully he passed what much he feared, 
And hence among the nation's sons endeared, 
His name enrolled marked him one set apart, 
Who at his country's call, to arms should start. 

His first encampment on the college ground 
With quick assembling at the bugle sound, 
Gave foretaste of the future's hidden store 
Of stern experience and battle's roar. 

That grand review, from memory not elfaced, 
By presence of colossal Scott was graced; 
Whose showy uniform and gallant mien, 
Ulysses viewing as the corps convene, 
Was strange impressed, while there before him 
changed 



14 



The pageant, and the scene was rearranged. 

Himself the General reviewing passed 

Great hosts on hosts in warlike squadrons massed. 

The vision fled, reality demands 

His thought again, and in the ranks he stands, 

Yet more oppressed for that brief interval 

In order of events implacable, 

Whose course, the sweep of time relentless holds, 

To eager youth's desire but slow unfolds. 

While after years too swiftly pass away 

From manhood's prime, and riper age would stay. 

Four lagging years unrolled, the course was run, 
The drear probation o'er and rank was won. 

Assigned to Infantry now first he served. 
Though not of choice, yet fate for him reserved 
In those St. Louis barracks should be learned 



15 



Life's sweetest charm. By Cupid led, he turned 
Where answering tones responded to his voice, 
Where heart met heart and love first bid rejoice. 

Thence when he roved, his Julians love attends 
To every hardship, hope and solace lends; 
Her sympathy his faithful guiding star 
Which trials could not change nor absence mar. 

So this Ulysses gained Penelope 
As he of Homer's famous Odyssey. 



16 



INVASION. 

But now war's trumpet sounds tbe loud alarm 
And on to ]\Iexico the legions swarm. 

The Colorado gained, the Rio Grande 
Was reached, and Palo Alto saw them stand 
The brunt of battle ; fierce the fight around 
Resaca de la Raima's marshy ground. 

Across the Rio Grande conveyed at last 
The valiant Army of Invasion passed. 

Camargo fell, and lofty Monterey 

Where brave Ulysses nobly saved the day. 

The stores of war exhausted, powder spent, 
Who volunteered the risk and gave consent? 
Ulysses mounted then his horse with speed, 
Swift seized the guiding rein and dared the deed. 



17 



A leg- and arm upon his courser threw, 
Concealed and sheltered down the street he Hew. 

Ere enemies could aim, the charger gained 
Protecting walls, and lightning pace maintained 
Till succor reached and friendly arms received, 
The day was won and Monterey relieved. 

Then Buena Vista, but three days' delays, 
Nor wall of Vera Cruz tlie force dismays. 

Not towering Cerro Gordo's cliffs withstand 
Well-planned surprise, at Scott's o'erwhelming hand. 

O'er mountains high the troops as eagles soar, 
Mctorious legions o'er the chasms pour. 
The Army of Invasion conquering sped. 
And Santa Anna van(|uished, frightened fled. 

He stands again on Churubusco's fields 
Severest battle ere the spoils he yields. 



18 



Molino, named del Rey, the next assaults 

The ardent force of Scott, nor long he halts 

For threatening, high Chapultepec dark frowned, 

Whose twice-gained fort commanded all the ground ; 

And doubly guarded Mexico awaits 

Her fate from twofold columns at her gates. 

Ulysses holds command and way contends 
Where strong San Cosme well her cause defends. 

Pursuing thus his course he quick descries 
The belfry of a church attain the skies; 
Then, acting at the thought its height suggests, 
Transports a mountain howitzer, nor rests 
Till at its entrance well secured with locks 
He stands impatient of delay and knocks. 

A priest politely opening, inquired 

His urgent will and what his soul desired ? 



19 



To him Ulysses. 

" Entrance to the tower 
I must demand, tor pregnant is the hour." 

" And would yon violate these precincts strict, 
And holy church with horrid war afilict?" 
The priest inquired. 

Ulysses firm replied : 
" The trade of surging war's relentless tide. 
No separation or distinction holds 
When might unchecked requires, the riglit it moulds. 
So we shall enter here." 

The Priest recedes, 
But ere with tread unwilling he proceeds 
To guard the sacred altar's treasures rare 
The voltigeurs had passed the belfry stair. 

The ready gun was charged and, quickly trained. 
Destruction wild on doomed San Cosme rained. 



20 



Soon consteraatiou seized the foeman ranks — 
" What enemy above in air outflanks? " 

By superstitious terrors now unnerved 

Their valor faltered and their courage swerved ; 

As when at Ilion Minerva fought, 

And for Ulysses heavenly marvels wrought. 

" What hand effective and wliat stalwart heart 
As from the heavens can such aid impart, 
And dealing deatli within the fortress walls 
With sudden fright the enemy appalls? 

" Bring ([uick to me the man," said General Worth, 
" In whose suggestive mind this thought had birth." 

So comes Ulysses at the Chief's command, 
Who.se generous praise rewards the aid he i)lanned. 
And with enshrouding night whose shades concealed. 
Fell Santa Anna vani.shed from the field. 



21 



The npxt day's sun arose on Mexico 

Again the conquest of a foreign foe; 

And Montezuma's halls once more resound 

To martial tread ; exulting trumpets sound ; 

Victorious th' invading army takes 

This favored city of majestic lakes. 

No violence, no treachery befell 

The fallen nation which were shame to tell. 

With generous rule — authority discreet — 
The conquerors a hostile people meet, 
Till peace proclaimed and boundaries defined, 
A purchased province by the foe resigned, 
And Guadalupe Hidalgo's league assured 
Possession which triumphant war secured. 

Now hasted brave Ul3'sses where awaits 
His Julia for his coming, and debates 
Not long with fate propitious, which requites 
The toilsome past, and love their lives unites. 



22 



DEFENCE, 

Then slow succeeding uneventful fled 
A score of years, and more, when armies led 
By brothers face each other, and deride ; 
With arguments the cannon's mouth replied. 

Ulysses for defence his sword unsheathes 

And onward where the smoke of battle wreathes 

The gory plain he fights his gallant way ; 

Nor envy nor perplexing times delay 

His high advance, till silent and astute 

As General, the eager hosts salute. 

Soon o'er the land one name contention stilled, 
" Fort Donclson is ours," the nation thrilled, 
And " Unconditional Surrender" Grant 
No foes could move nor rivals e'er supplant. 

Now victory on victory renewed, 

The trembling nation with bright hope imbued, 



23 



Till Vicksburg, strong entrenched and fortified 
On Mississippi's banks his arms denied. 

As prompt in council, and in action bold 
So patient he besieged the foe's stronghold. 

Though floods opposed and nature hostile frowned 

The hero willed, what perseverance crowned, 

And Vicksburg fell while ringing through and 

through 
The wondering land his name a watchword grew. 



24 



RESCUE, 

Then brief ensued inaction forced, for foes 
No more combat, nor seeking could disclose 
The lurking legions which his front annoy, 
But vanish when his troops in ranks deploy. 

Now loomed the issues on the Tennessee 
Where union battled for supremacy; 
Where Lookout Mountain proud the clouds defied 
And threatening towered, its strength with foes al- 
lied. 

Entrenched to East, to South and West impend 
Their waiting guns; while these, within contend, 
Another, fiercer and more dreaded hand, 
Gaunt famine, which no barriers withstand; 
In narrowing bounds, by greater force opposed 
The army of the Cumberland was closed. 



25 



"Ulysses to the rescue," cries the land. 
He quick responds and with sui)rcnie command 
Upon him thrust, where dangers new disclose 
And duty calls, he, crowned with conquest goes. 

Where Tennessee's broad curving river coursed 
Behold the host by One Man reinforced. 

His active genius now transformed, arranged, 
And nothing save the landscape left unchanged. 

While confidence with succor had returned 

With courage gained, for swift advance they burned. 

Victorious again his banner waved. 
Whose magic spell but brief the foeman braved; 
Beleaguered Chattanooga's strait relieved 
Ulysses' signal triumph was achieved. 



26 



Two armies now were vanquished by his power; 
But Eastward dark the clouds of battle glower, 
And menacing o'er Washington portend; 
Tlie nation calls her hero to defend. 

Lieutenant-General the armies hailed 

The man wliom fortune loved nor conquest failed; 

Who quite unmoved in council as in field, 

As soldier or as statesman could not yield. 

Intrepid grown, his country's hope upreared 
The chieftain born to lead them had appeared. 

To West and South obeying his behest, 
The willing legions marched; where'er contest 
Was opposition armed; meanwhile attends 
The waiting nation what the future sends. 



27 



A world looks on, with frieuds and foemen too 
To see what this strange silent man would do. 

As gathering squadrons for the fray prepare 
Each moment's urgency demands his care. 

Deliberate his plans he constitutes, 
With lightning speed of genius executes. 

Now face contestants on whose arms the fate 
Acknowledged rests of concord in the state. 

But preparation, trial yet had chanced, 
Their chosen leaders scarce to rank advanced; 
The armies no essay of strength had tried 
Nor either feared what force must soon decide. 

Here veterans to veterans appealed; 

The sons of sunny lands their homes would shield; 

A cause deemed sacred gather to sustain 

And independent, separate, maintain. 



28 



The other force, a firm determined baud 
For constitution and for union stand. 

While these, victorious laurels decorate 

Those stood dispirited and desperate; 

While knowing well that time no hope could lend 

And served a fruitless struggle to extend. 

At length they turned and proud request present 
For succor in their need, but none relent, 
Nor in a brothers feud would dare befriend, 
And so they looked no more but braved the end. 

The hour was come and swift the summons ran 
Uh'^sses is across the Rapidan; 
And battling through the Wilderness they surged; 
The blood of heroes marked each step they urged; 
Though here and there a gallant stand delayed, 
While stout attack the onset briefly stayed, 
Yet like a tide, whose slow encroaching waves 
Successive follow, each intruding laves 



29 



And higher swells along the pebl)ly shore, 
So on Ulysses' stanch battalions pour. 

The strength of Fredericksburg entrenched they 

hold , 
And Spottsylvania's four streams enfold; 

Pamunkey's banks scarce interrupt their course 

Advancing ever with resistless force, 

Till Richmond's battlements defence bestow 

Upon a hoptless and disheartened foe; 

Whose land was desolate, resistance vain, 

Whose cause was lost, whose sons were useless slain. 

And now proud Richmond stood as Troy of old 
Defying this Ulysses' legions bold. 

Fair Helen stolen, Menelaus wronged, 
Gave first incentive for the war prolonged 
Which Greek on Trojan unrelenting waged, 



30 



Till other issues vitally engaged, 

Whose complex enmities could not afford 

A gentler arbitration than the sword. 

Less tangible a cause here first invoked; 
The horrid sacrifice of blood provoked; 
And brothers to a deadly strife impelled 
Till union arms triumphant peace compelled. 

What flimsy phantom, or what beauty rare, 
Or wily tempter snail the onus bear 
Of civil conflict, whose Medusa head, 
With cruel hatred and with terrors dread, 
Transforms the heart, the reason overturns 
And friends and kindred but as foes discerns. 

Will time unfold or searching e'er reveal 
What causes vague, unfathomed, still conceal 
In shadows, deeply veiled from human sense 
Mysterious the logic of events? 



31 



A thousand gentle rivulets converge 
Before the mighty torrents downward surge; 
Yet, born of one, the impulse onward sweeps 
Till merged and lost in boundless ocean deeps. 

So, moulded by surroundings, slow unroll ' 
The incidents of time's unending scroll. 

These, each to other wed no hindrance know, 
Nor less relentless pause as on they flow, 
Determining the fates which nations guide 
And o'er the destinies of men preside; 
At last complete, a single circlet gain 
Fast bound in history's unfinished chain. 

O'er Richmond and A^irginia, winter's snow 
Now falling masked its fields of blood and woe. 
Where brethren fought; yet scarcely stayed for 

breath 
The hosts heroic, while swift dealing death 
And war's destruction e'er them darkening frowned, 



32 



Above, around, by Boreas' hand unbound 
The frost and cold, their wonted strife begun 
Contend obliquely with the genial sun. 

But when returning Spring caressed the earth 
With gentle dews and gave the flowers birth, 
While quickening nature answered to its spell 
Then Petersburg surrendered, Richmond fell. 

Here met two men who once in war had served 

A common cause, their country's will, nor swerved. 

Obedient to duty's mandate bowed, 

Yet now encountered, with command endowed 

Of mighty forces, which in sentiment 

Antagonized ideas represent. 

The elder veteran in silent pride 
Whose countenance impassable denied 
The subject of his thought to other eyes, 
\\'as come to abdicate and yield the prize 
By war bestowed, and victory confest, 



33 



Whose emblematic laurels fit, invest 

His younger comrade of more happy days 

Whom foemen hence admire and nations praise. 

Ulysses great of heart and purpose firm 
His will declares in no ambiguous term. 

Implacable in combat, he dictates 
Conditions of the peace, he consuiilmates. 

The hero bold whom opposition steels, 
In triumph yet no exaltation feels; 
His generous nature quick resumes it sway 
When his loved country all its sons obey. 

While sadness and depression occupy 
The pensive soul whose honors multiply, 
The downfall of a foe who valiant fought 
And suffered long, in him no gladness wrought. 
But nobler pity and compassion deigned 
The hero calm, whom gentleness constrained. 



34 



So Grant and Lee are met, extend the hand 

In friendly greeting with demeanor bland, 

And pleasant reminiscence claimed their thought, 

Meanwhile the moment so with import fraught 

Forgetful passed till harsh before them rose 

The fateful present, whose stern needs dispose. 

The victor to the vanquished instant gave 
Parole and freedom: thus the great and brave 
Know mercy's power to hold what force procures; 
Nor only this. Ulysses' hand assures 
Effective succor which he free bestows 
Upon the starving legions of his foes. 

O'er Appomattox peace that eve decends 
With l)rooding night and civil warfare ends. 

In council gathered now the nation's seers 
Attend the coming hero, who appears 
The whole victorious story to rehearse 
Though few his words, significant and terse. 



35 



The counsellors amazed, loud deprecate 

His lofty course, nor justly estimate 

The statesmanship, with prescience rare arrayed, 

Ullysses wise with dignity displayed. 

The chief of war determined to refuse 
The terms pacific; faithlessly abuse 
The hero's pledge, too generous to foes; 
Exasperated grand Ulysses rose, 
While noble rage and indignation flame 
And every glance repudiates the shame. 

Then loudly clanged his sword upon the floor, 
The sword which unto freedom oped the door 
That millions there might enter, nor delayed 
His voice in vigorous protest to upbraid. 

" My word pronounced would you thus violate, 
The conquering general humiliate 
Before the trusting foe, and armies vast 
Which followed him and unto triumph passed? 



36 



The issue of this hour events attend 

My sword the peace has won and shall defend. 

To break the word I gave a vanquished foe, 
Alone o'er my dead body shall you go." 

Abashed they stood, another battlefield 
Ulysses had engraven on his shield. 



37 



TRIUMPH, 

The sun of Maj' advancing lights a scene 
Of brilHancy where valiant troops convene, 
And numberless proud Washington invest; 
The capital besiege at joy's behest; 
While salvos of artillery salute 
With wild applause they hail, no voice was mute, 
Victorious peans gladsome trumpets sound 
And marshalled hosts encumber all the ground. 

Two days returning light scarce equal proved 
To view them pass; the hero stood unmoved, 
And at the summit of his triumph knew, 
The youthful dreaming of his first review 
Was true presentiment, prophetic spoke, 
And brief to him the hidden future woke. 

Now in fulfillment brave Ulysses hears 
The plaudits of his country; mighty cheers 



38 



His name evokes while serried ranks deploy 
Before their leader with tumultous joy; 

The leader wdiose great genius towering soared 
To rarer heights when loud the battle roared, 
Yet silent grew and thoughtful, scarce desired 
The glory and reward his deeds inspired. 



39 



As in the zenith of the dome of day 

The golden sun reposing seems to stay 

His onward course, Ulysses gained the heights 

The pinnacle of fame his toil requites, 

While eight bright years he holds the reins of power, 

And calmly rules the land in doubtful hour, 

The land his sword had saved disruption dire 

And union sealed secure with blood and fire. 

''Let us have peace," the warrior-statesman said, 
"Enough the land has wept, enough has bled." 

At last, grown weary of the cares of State, 
No fields to win, or dangers to abate, 
No threat'ning foe, or crisis to forefend. 
While controversies of the law attend. 
Around the world by stately train convoyed 
The hero journeying his ease employed. 



40 



The monarchs of a globe his coming hailed, 
Nor ardent welcome e'er his presence failed. 



While Queens rejoice to honor, realms applaud. 
And Kings delight but to admire and laud. 

The flags of every nation waved him fair, 
AVHiile cannon thundered salvos in the air; 

In orand salute assembled voices raise 
Triumphant peans of spontaneous praise. 

As once the Greek Ulysses wandering earned 
But added dignities, nor any spurned, 
So this proceeds on his illustrious way ; 
No wicked charms his onward course delay, 
No bold Calypso dares his will defy. 
Nor tempting grottoes his return deny. 

No hostile Neptune rears the mountain waves 
Ulysses to engulf; no Naiad saves; 



41 



Secure he sails while honors unconstrained 
And modest dwell familiar, entertained 
As other men with calm accommodate 
The every day experiences of fate. 

From clime to clime through Orient isles he strayed, 
The manners of three continents surveyed. 
Yet still his native land his heart enchained 
And bright within the love of country reigned. 

As Homer's valorous hero once of yore 
Returning yearned for Ithaca's dear shore, 
So yearned for home this man with laurel crowned 
Not less than Csesar great nor less renowned. 

But Csesar fell, and falling stands accused 
Of those ambitions tyranny abused. 

Not thus Ulysses sought imperial power, 
Nor aimed to rule beyond th'elected hour; 
Then glad, to other hands the State assigned, 
Like Cincinuatus to the plow resigned. 



42 



What horrid spectre dow with doom o'ershades, 
The sacred circle of his home invades 
With Hydra head relentless nor retires, 
Though science rare contests, and love desires? 

Shall all that can befall or fate contrive, 
His valor challenge and behold him strive? 

Is his decreed a marked peculiar life. 
And each elapsing stage with battle rife? 

The sterner field of suffering he views 
Immediate; can courage now refuse 
To face the enemy whom none subdue 
But, knowing, dread, and ever vainly rue? 

By fell disease the citadel betrayed. 

The stronghold of his life the foes invade; 



43 



While outwork after outwork brave resists 
Yet steadily, unchecked, advance persists. 

So then the task elected, he essayed 
To tell his moving story, nor delayed; 
In patient pain the pen of history held; 
To quivering nerves obedience compelled; 
That truth might prosper, justice dwell on earth, 
And calumny be smothered in its birth. 



44 



C0NCLU5I0N» 

He told his tale, and simply, truly, told; 
Here meted praise, and here a friend extolled; 
While there he fearlessly and bold denounced 
And criticism candidly pronounced. 

No station proved a bar when deeds deserved 
From justice censure, or fi'om honor swerved. 

Himself now helpless in the fatal power 
Of pallid death encroaching hour by liour, 
With fortitude foreseen, who shall declare 
That courage here displayed, in equal share 
On fields of carnage, clearer, brighter, shone. 
Than when he met the foeman grim, alone? 



45 



FALLEN, 



At last he, ViiiKiuishcil, falls, by inches yields, 
Who led victorious hosts on many fields. 

A proud mausoleum his country gives 
To tell the years, in memory he lives; 
Though on heights of Riverside he sleeps 
Where curves the Hudson in majestic sweeps; 
Where pallisade and clilJ' the scene adorn; 
Where roll the mighty tides of ocean born; 
Where nature bountiful around unfolds 
Superbly grand, and like a temple holds 
The warrior loved, while, gracious to attend, 
The plaudits of a world harmonious blend. 

On every side the noisy streams of life 

Unthinking pass, intent on daily strife, 

Or pressing needs, yet here the hero dwells 

Who naught surrenders save when death compells. 



46 



CHARACTERo 

His nature held fraternally combined, 
A dauntless courage and a generous mind, 
For never noble hearts an entrance cede 
To qualities innately disagreed. 

As seek in social bonds the souls allied, 
And men but in their fellows can confide, 
So ever bide in mutual support 
Within the worthy breast a royal court 
In unison attuned, which constitutes 
An altruism of its attributes. 

Of old when valor was approved by fame 
'Twas ever coupled with Ulysses' name. 

Or honor brilliant shone through terrors tried, 
'Twas in Laertes son personified. 



47 



These, new associate, rejoice secure 
Affiauced in Ulysses to endure. 

Ulysses, who to conquer peace discerned 
And when achieved in gentle mercy turned 
Where vanquished legions waited his decree 
By trembling dread oppressed, nor dared to flee. 

When Lee his arms surrendering withdraws, 
Nor hostile force withstands the union laws, 
The conqueror magnanimous rewards, 
The emblematic olive branch accords; 
The bond of peace inviolate he seals, 
The hand of friendship eloquent appeals. 

Henceforth these two in amity disclose 
Sincerely friends who valiantly were foes. 

The hands they linked no power can separate, 
With Grant is Lee secure associate, 



48 



Their names united talismanic stand 

As emblems worthy of the new wed land. 

For this the conqueror alone conceived, 
His heart unfolded and his hand achieved. 

The other acted equal generous part 
And with his arms surrendered all his heart. 

No olden warriors so a peace conclude 
Where enmity nor malice can intrude; 
Where two opposed, in duty's name enlist 
Pursue consistently and stern persist; 
The end attained its power still confess 
As utmost arbiter, and acquiesce. 

Where brothers' hatred wounded, vain uprears. 
And with the smoke of combat disappears. 



.49 



PENELOPE, 

Ulysses, born in Ithaca, the fair, 

His realm abandoned with the Greeks to share 

The long anticipated spoils of Troy, 

Which vengeful Neptune hasted to destroy,- 

To wise Penelope his realm resigned, 

Penelope the faithful, honored, kind. 

No less Ulysses knew his Julia's worth ; 

No less her name is honored o'er the earth ; 

With him his early trials brave she bore, 

With him she reigned, triumphant honors wore ; 

To him the best and nearest ally proved 

When suffering the land to reverence moved. 

Less happy than Penelope of yore 

To her fond hope Ulysses comes no ijiore. 



50 



So let liim rest, no longer child of time ; 
The ages challenge his renown sublime ; 

No ancient heroes may his valor pale, 
Nor side by side upon him will prevail; 

While chivahy its deeds to him condones, 
And generosity but proudl}^ owns ; 
Sincerity nor truth by him are shamed ; 
No enemies denounce, nor friend has blamed ; 

His calmness danger could not jeopardize, 
Nor battle's wild excitement compromise. 

This silent soldier of the West proceeds 
And all his path grows eloquent in deeds. 



51 



PANEGYRIC 

The valiant hero of the struggle towers 

Above the mists where dismal envy cowers, 

Or rivalry attains; still overhead 

Above the highlands where by conquest led, 

The history of heroes dipt by fate, 

Like noble cliffs, abruptly elevate. 

Abruptly end, yet catch the golden ray 

Of fame whose lightnings ever sportive play 

On dizzy heights, but leave the darkened deeps 

Where sorrow hides and disappointment keeps. 

So Alexander died in victory's hour; 

So Csesar dreamed to gain imperial power; 

So fell Napoleon, nor realized 

The world of empire his desires comprised. 

These tower as cliffs, not so Ulysses soars 

To quick dechne ; from fields where battle roars 

The sudden child of fame is born, ascends 



52 



As rugged crag from ocean depths portends, 

When cosmic forces to the birth commit 

What silence has conceived ; whose framework knit 

In soundless majesty and clothed with rock 

Full robed presenting at the earthquake's shock. 

So sprang Ulysses to the upper realm, 
And paused, sustained, no dignities o'erwhelm; 
There calm the wonderous landscape he surveyed ; 
The crown of statecraft on his laurels laid ; 
And like a noble arch completely grand 
The turbulent and murky stream he spanned 
Where horrid war and dire destruction lurk 
And wrote " Conclusion " to his handiwork. 

Its finished piers on firm foundations rest. 
Of Ijrotherhood by peace and union blest. 

In every clime his name of freedom tells ; 
In every land Ulysses' fame excels ; 



53 



In Riverside entombed, yet not confined, 
As wide as is his country was his mind; 

His country which the peace he won entwines 
In willing bonds, nor knows division lines ; 

The peace in freedom fervently desired 

The peace Ulysses Simpson Grant inspired. 




